As the first signs of autumn creep in and thoughts turn to school uniforms and Halloween decorations, it might seem like summer is slipping away. However, with the official end of the season not until late September, there’s still plenty of time to savour the last rays of sunshine. Barratt Homes Bristol has teamed up with their garden and lifestyle experts to offer some creative ways to make the most of these final summer weeks, all without leaving the comfort of your own back garden.
Here are their top five tips for making summer last just a little bit longer:
1. Bring the Beach to Your Garden:
Who says the beach holiday has to end? Set up a tent or a makeshift den in the garden and let the kids recreate their favourite seaside moments. A paddling pool or garden sprinkler can provide some last-minute water fun, and once the kids have dried off, why not organise a treasure hunt or a classic garden game? Try a round of skittles using empty plastic lemonade bottles for a simple but entertaining activity.
2. Dine Alfresco Every Evening:
Take advantage of every mild evening by eating outside whenever possible. If the weather isn’t quite warm enough, simply open the garden doors and enjoy a post-dinner drink under the open sky. Cosy up with blankets on the garden chairs as the evening cools. There’s something calming about dining outdoors, away from the distractions of phones and screens. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and each other before the day ends.
3. Host a Last-of-the-Summer Garden Party:
Celebrate the tail end of summer with a relaxed garden party. Keep the menu simple—think hot dogs, salads, and shop-bought cakes—and make it a bring-and-share supper where each guest contributes a dish. If there are little ones around, you can also make it a BYOB (Bring Your Own Box) party. Arm them with masking tape, washable paints, or crayons, and let them build and decorate their own cardboard castles or spaceships. Meanwhile, you can sit back and enjoy the sunset.
4. Create a Hotel Vibe at Home:
Make your home feel like a boutique hotel by filling vases with fresh garden flowers, lighting candles, and playing some soft music. Treat yourself to bowls of summer fruits or your favourite chocolates, and scatter magazines or a deck of cards around for an impromptu game after dinner. With no rush to be anywhere, stretch out on the sofa and enjoy a leisurely evening in.
5. Transform Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary:
As the day winds down, bring the same sense of relaxation upstairs. Clear the clutter from your bedside table, lower the lights, and ensure your favourite bed linens and plumped pillows await you. End your day with a long, bubbly bath by candlelight, followed by a good holiday read in bed. It’s the perfect way to prolong those holiday feelings, even on a weeknight.
So, while the shops may be filled with Halloween costumes and school supplies, there’s no need to rush summer out the door. With a bit of creativity, you can stretch the best of it well into autumn’s first chill.
